“Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord” 2 Peter 3:14-18 Tim Curry Hammond Winter Series February 19, 2011

Report: Nearly Half Leave Religion of Their Youth In a national survey in 2008, the Barna Group, found 61% of young adults in their 20’s said that they attended church at some point their teen years, but had since fallen away (Tryggestad). However, when ‘churches of Christ’ were isolated, about 1 / 3 of youths raised in the church of Christ dropped out and never returned (Tryggestad). Other researchers cite the statistic of young people leaving the church as high as 44% (Ross Jr). Consider this quote: “Nearly all church growth is the result of a circulation of the saints. Very little significant church growth occurs as a result of converting the unsaved, except for the conversion of one’s offspring” (Ross Jr).

Introduction Steadfastness is a vital characteristic that Christians must have if they want to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. – Steadfastness is essentially our firm adherence to the truth – Steadfastness can only be reached through our growth in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) What keeps us from growing? – Consider the expectations of physical growth (i.e. child, tree, garden) – Consider the destructive nature of spiritual instability – Spiritual instability is a mark of spiritual insecurity (Eph. 4:15)

1 - We Must Grow in Grace Grace is simply defined as “unmerited favor” (Col. 1:10) Peter tells us that we need to grow in grace (1 Pt. 2:2) – Woods says that this is used to ‘sum up all the favor of God’ (Woods 192) Grace is God’s gift to us: We need to extend it to others through… – Hospitality – The Lost – Local church work How do we grow in grace? (Our text tells us – 3:18)

2 - We Must Grow in Knowledge Growth in knowledge is necessary to know Christ The growth in knowledge should cause a growth in our character – The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:28, 36, 39) – Paul (Acts 9:1, 11, 22) – Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) – The Bereans (Acts 17:10-15) – John

The growth in knowledge should cause us to have an intimate relationship with Him – First, we need to know Him (Jer. 24:7; Phil. 3:10) – What we need is our God and a relationship with Him that extends to Heaven (Heb. 12:2) How can we have an intimate relationship with our Lord if we do not long for knowledge? – Psalms 139:6 – We need to place full trust in Him – Begins with communication – through prayer (James 5:16) – Often, we can look back and see our growth through God’s handiwork and divine providence 2 - We Must Grow in Knowledge

3 - Seek Out Opportunities for Growth Some Obstacles: – Popular trend to have shorter Gospel meetings – Time constraints demand time management (Eph. 5:16) – We must strive to put God first! (Mt. 6:33) Gospel Meetings, Lectureships, etc. – These meetings are often an excellent way to be edified and to edify others! – Heb. 10:25 “…encouraging one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

3 - Seek Out Opportunities for Growth Start now! – Spend time with fellow saints outside of regular worship services Visitation New Converts Fellowship – Teaching Private Bible studies Congregational singings Being evangelistic-minded

Conclusion Are you growing today? – Growth is a sign of life – Growth is sometimes painful – Growth is always good – Growth encourages others – Growth is a continual process, a sign of maturing

Conclusion As we grow in grace and knowledge, let’s remember the following: – By growing in grace, we must bear the fruit of every good work – Growing in knowledge demands personal involvement – We need to actively participate and seek out growing opportunities – Finally, look forward to Heaven – Don’t let a day go by without thinking about Heaven!